Day # 60: backpack

   I don't consider myself an expert on anything really. But I feel like I am when it concerns the best way to lug around all my kid's crap personal necessities. I took Savannah to her new preschool last week, brought her backpack and was told, "Oh she won't be needing this, you can take it home." Okay, I get it, it's preschool.  She is supposed to bring only a lunchbox with a small snack. However, upon picking her up everyday last week, she had an art project, a book from the library, a note from the school, and the coat that she shed sometime during the course of the day. oh and her lunchbox. And I have no backpack to put it in. So now I'm carrying all of her stuff, trying to keep tabs on both kids, and weave in and out of the cars in the parking lot (because there is not a carpool line, but I'll rant about that another day).
   I know, it's a petty complaint, but it's a stupid not a well thought out way of doing things. And since I'm the newcomer to the scene, I feel like I'm in the perfect position to ask why the kids don't bring backpacks. I mean, is there a way I could kindly suggest that the 4 year old class bring backpacks? I would really just like to hear the reasoning behind the decision. If there is any. I've said it before, but it's the little things that make a big difference in a mother's life like... coffee, or helping a frazzled mother with her shopping cart, or a nap. And bringing a backpack to preschool is one of them.

Day #59: New Year Resolution

   So I'm about a week late on the whole resolution thing. I've completely given up with the big resolutions, like being a size 0 or becoming fluent in Chinese;  I've moved on to much more achievable things, that way, I can actually accomplish what I set out to do. And then I can brag and be like, "yeah, I kicked my New Years resolution's butt". Last year, my resolution was making sure everyone in my family and Tyson's family (my new brother -in- laws included) got birthday cards on or before their birthday. Not just a phone call, FB message, or belated card. an actual snail mail legit birthday card. I know, it seems like a puny resolution, kind of lame even, but it's something I really wanted to make a priority; that  everyone's birthday was acknowledged. And guess what? I did it.
   This year I wanted to resolve to do something just as low key, yet just as important. Now, I don't consider myself a Type A personality per se, but if I had to be lumped into such a category, I would be closer to the Type A people. Those people. I'm a "see what else you can can get done before you must absolutely go get yourself and the kids ready" kind of gal. A scheduler, a planner, a non-procrastinator, a lets-do-things-my-way, Yoga SUCKS (because who can move so slowly and calmly for an ENTIRE hour??), multi-tasking, read two books at the same time type of person. So I end up vacuuming the entire house or folding that last load of laundry before I realize that I have less than twenty minutes to get all three of us dressed and out the door. Don't get me wrong, I'm not guilty of being chronically late. Oh no,  I mean, I get us there on time, but it ain't pretty folks. Unfortunately there is a lot of yelling, empty threats concerning mostly fruit snacks (or the lack there of), and running around that happens to get us to where we are supposed to be in a timely fashion. And that is such a sucky way to start out the day. Because when I start my day that way, it's hard to get out of the rushing around funk that inevitably ensues. That being said, my resolution this year is to start getting the kids and I ready and dressed much earlier than I feel is necessary.
   I have put this plan into practice the last few days, and let me tell you, my mornings are actually enjoyable! I know. Crazy. Let's see if I can keep it up for the year.

Day # 58: the one minute rule

   So I was reading my Good Housekeeping magazine, while soaking in a hot bubble bath, when I came across an article that caught my eye. It was about staying organized, on top of things, so you don't fall behind in household chores. I feel like I am behind all.the.time. Trying to catch up on housework is like, well, an unrealistic goal. a myth. Before I had children, my apartment was spotless, I mean, take-your-white-glove-and -run-it-across-the- mantle spotless. I cleaned once a week, the entire 475square foot, one bedroom apartment. Scrubbed every floor, toilet, and sink. Nowadays, with the exception of that one time a cleaning crew cleaned my house, my whole house is never clean all at the same time. I clean a room a day, so by the end of the week...I have to start over again. Oh and laundry, it is never ending! When I finally think that I have gotten it all washed, dried, folded, and put away, the hampers are full again......but I digress.
   So, as I'm reading my GH, the "one minute" rule grabbed my interest immediately. The rule is, if it only takes a minute or less to do it, why not do it right then? Such as hanging up your coat,  putting those three lone forks into the dishwasher, or unsubscribing to an email. Hmm... I like this rule. Because although I would classify myself as someone who is organized, and generally likes order, its the little things that I let slide.  I look at the BIG picture: clean clothes, dinner on the table, checking facebook.....but the little things often get overlooked. That pile of shoes at the bottom of the stairs. Or the couch pillows that are scattered across the living room, or the junk mail from last week. But really, if I would just deal with those little things as they come up, they wouldn't be there. Or, as a mother of young children, my days are filled with random one minutes here and there throughout the day. Imagine what all I could accomplish?
   I don't know about you, but when my physical surroundings are in order, I feel more internally in order as well. And I am much more productive (and just nicer) when my house is clean and in order.

Day# 57: Rude people

  You guessed it, today I'm venting about discussing rude people. Or oblivious people who come off as rude because they don't know what they're talking about. And yes, I may have encountered one of these individuals today at the commissary on base. Clueless single man. No, I do not expect single men to empathize with a woman who has two young children, but I expect common curtesy or at least an insult to the face and not behind my back.  That's not asking too much, is it?
   And here is where I tell you my tale of woe. So it's FREEZING here- like 35 degrees with a wind chill of 20.  I went to the commissary to scope it out and pick up a few items. Well, on base they have baggers who take your groceries out to your car. Unless you go through the express lane, which I did. So I took my cart out with the kids and my few bags. Only after I had unloaded my cart and gotten both kids buckled into their car seats and cranked up the car, did I realize that there were ZERO cart returns in the entire parking lot. none. I would have to go all the way to the front of the store to return my cart. So I did the unthinkable. I carefully placed my cart in a parking space not occupied by a vehicle and got into my car. I know, I know. I was being that person. But I seriously rarely do it. But I did not want to leave my kids in a running car to return my cart. I chose my kids over the cart. However, the wind was blowing and my cart slowly moved toward another car and tapped it, ever so slightly. Well, about this time I started to feel guilty....and then I see this man. The rude man. He is watching me like a hawk from his car parked a few spaces away. So I jump out of the car, grab the cart, and sprint to the front of the cart and return my cart like a responsible patron of the commissary. As I'm shoving my cart into its designated place, this man (the rude one) walks behind me into the store and says under his breath, but plenty loud enough for me to hear,  "That was not a good thing to do!". Really?!? So I turned to him and said, "First of all, if you cared so much and saw me with two small kids, you could have taken the cart from me and walked it to the front. Secondly, you know what's not good? That I just left my two kids in the car to return a stupid cart? And thirdly, next time you want to call someone out on something, say it to their face."
   Okay fine. I didn't  actually say that. I ignored his comment and hurried back to my car. But after thinking about it and having adequate time to prepare my statement, that is what I wanted to say. And I also wanted to key his car. Or at the very least, ram a cart into it. It's one of those situations where you are so caught off guard by someone's comment, you aren't prepared to say anything. But honestly, if I had said what I wanted to say, I probably would have regretted it. And I wouldn't have said it all calm and collected. Knowing me, I would have yelled it.
   If I had seen a mother abandon her cart in the parking lot (which I have seen, on many occasions), I would have understood why. You know what I do at grocery stores? If I see someone who is finishing unloading their groceries (mother or not), I always go up to them and tell them I'll take their cart- that way they don't have to put it away, and I can get my kids settled in before getting into the store. I love it when something I do benefits others and myself at the same time. It's a win- win, and who knows? maybe taking that person's cart helped them out more that you know. Or maybe you just saved a parked car from being hit by a cart.

Day # 56: Starting over again

  I can't say I was super excited about this last move. Besides the obvious hassle of moving, I was just not ready to invest in new friends, find new schools, learn my way around a new city, find a new church, a new gym, a new routine. You get my point, I'm not comfortable with change. It puts me, and most people I think, far from their comfort zone to make drastic changes in their life, like moving to a new city. and starting over again.
   Today is the first day that Tyson is at work and I am home with the kids, attempting to start this new year in this new place right. I think the best place to start is where I began this blog- just continuing on my way to becoming a better mother. Sometimes that is simply setting a good example for my kids with my attitude. I don't want to start over again, but that is where my life is right now. In a few months, I'll find my new groove and this will all be a distant, fleeting problem. But until then, I need to show them how to adjust to a new life, and how to do it happily. So many kids (and adults) have the mentality that if they don't feel like doing something, they shouldn't have to do it. But that is a horrible (and selfish) way to go through life and I sure do not want to teach my children that that is acceptable. I don't feel like unpacking those last few boxes, but I'm going to. I don't feel like making friends and going out of my way to introduce myself, but I will. I didn't really feel like moving to another state (again) (that is even colder!), but I'm going to have a positive attitude about it.
  And I think I'm going to try to be a way cooler version of myself in Maryland. The upside to moving? Reinventing yourself.

Day #55: Thankful

   This year we hosted Thanksgiving at our house. I originally just invited my parents, thinking that I didn't want to interfere with my sisters' plans for Thanksgiving with husbands and in-laws. I thought I was being thoughtful, I didn't want them to feel obligated to take time off work and fly here to see us. Well, a week after my parents agreed to come out, my sisters and their husbands decided they wanted to come out too; and why hadn't I invited them in the first place (I'm just so inconsiderate)?!?. Then, my whole crazy family decided it would be cheaper, and well, just more fun, to drive out. A 24 hour drive. Straight through. No stops. The day before Thanksgiving. Yeah...as I write this, they are still an hour or so from  home, safe and sound, to Texas. We also had our good family friends, the H's join us. However, they are slightly more sane than my family, and took a non stop flight to get here. First class. With a glass of wine. That is clearly the better travel choice here.
   Needless to say, Thanksgiving was a whirlwind. Everyone arrived Wednesday night just in time for dinner, and just in time to kiss my kiddos goodnight before putting them to bed. My sisters and I got up the next day and ran the Turkey Trot- which is one of my favorite things to do the morning of Thanksgiving. I feel better about all of the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, corn casserole, and pie that I eat the rest of the day when I begin my day running 6 miles.... like I deserve that third second piece of pie. And I do deserve it. And yes, 75% of our Thanksgiving sides are casseroles. Translation=butter is involved.
   Our house was maxed out with 12 people, but I LOVED every minute of it. I'm thankful that I have family who wants to drive 24 hours straight to spend the holidays with us. I'm thankful the H's, who are not related, chose to fly out here to spend this holiday with us and my crazy road-tripping family. Too bad Thanksgiving is always overshadowed by Christmas, because between the casseroles, Turkey Trot, family and friends, and pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving really is my favorite holiday of the year.

Day #54: it's that time of year

 You moms know what I'm talking about. It's that time of year where runny noses run rampant and chunky coughs are prevalent. Fall is here, and along with it, the flu, common cold, and a whole plethora of illnesses.
  Some of you may remember Luke's seizure scares from earlier this year. Although this past Tuesday his fever was never higher than 99.4, I kept him home from school. I wanted to see if this was a fever that was going to spike. It seemed to me that with his runny nose, cough, insane crankiness, and three hour naps, that he was just fighting off a cold.  If this were Savannah, I would send her to school without a second thought. Yes, I send my kid to school with a cough, runny nose, and a 99 degree fever. Judge me. Where do you think they picked up that cold in the first place? But Luke is different. Luke has seizures when his fever spikes, Luke is much clingier, and Luke is my baby. So Luke stayed home. By Thursday I had done enough googling and talking to other moms that I realized he had croup. His fever had risen to 101.5, which still is not too high, but for Luke, anything over 99 scares me. So Friday afternoon we visited the doctor where it was confirmed, he did indeed have croup. Unfortunately, it is a virus and just has to run it's course.
  Thankfully Luke never spiked a fever, so there were no seizures. It was a huge comfort and relief to me that we got through this first virus of the season smoothly. Our weekend scuba plans were cancelled; I could not justify leaving my sick Luke with a sitter all weekend. But you know what? It didn't really bother me. I wasn't upset that our weekend plans had to be postponed. If this had happened a year ago, I would have been slightly irritated. My kids being sick used to interfere with my plans. But now, I don't bat an eye. I quickly adjust and am grateful that I can stay home to cuddle, comfort, and love on my sick baby. Not everyone gets to do that, not everyone wants to do that, but I'm happy that I get to.